Mining Lignite Coal for our Energy Future

Environmental Stewardship

BNI Coal is committed to protecting the quality of North Dakota's land, air and water. After all, this is our home - most of our employees are native North Dakotans. The law requires that the reclaimed land be at least as productive as it was prior to mining. That means if the land we mine once grew crops, it must be able to do so again after reclamation.

The cost to reclaim one acre of land can range from $20,000 to $50,000. BNI Coal has also invested tens of millions of dollars in the equipment necessary for the reclamation process. We will continue to remain at the forefront of reclamation technology to ensure the safety and well-being of our natural resources for generations to come.

BNI Coals environmental commitment starts years before mining is even planned in an area. Extensive baseline studies are conducted to insure proper characterization of the pre-mine environmental resources. This work includes cultural and historical resources, soils, vegetation, wildlife, assessment of surface and groundwater hydrology, climatology, wetlands, shelterbelts, and much, much, more. From this data detailed reclamation plans are formulated illustrating all aspects of the reclamation process including post mine slopes, watershed boundaries, land uses, seeding mixes, management plans, soil re-spread depths, etc. BNI Coal works closely with the landowners, local agencies, and state and federal agencies ensuring the reclamation plans meets the requirements and expectations of the landowners while incorporating the provisions of the local, state and federal agencies.